Evaluation of late nitrogen applications to achieve yield potential and increased protein content in wheat

2014
CC BY 4.0

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Jon Midwood (SFS)
Year(s) 2014
Contributor Southern Farming Systems
Trial location(s) Temora, NSW
Conmurra, SA
Wolseley, SA
Rokeby, TAS
Woodbury, TAS
Inverleigh, VIC
Murnong, VIC
Westmere, VIC
Evaluation of late nitrogen applications to achieve yield potential and increased protein content in wheat locations
Aims

To determine what impact delaying the timing of N applications after growth stage 32 will have on wheat yield and protein, and whether there is an advantage of using solid or liquid fertiliser.

Key messages

(i) The most significant outcome from these trials was the very strong effect of increasing grain protein. In nearly all cases, the higher rate of 50kgN/ha had a more significant effect, as did delaying the timing until GS55. (ii) There were no differences between product type and rate had a small effect. (iii) The higher rate of 50kgN/ha had a higher yield than 25kgN/ha. (iv) For the majority of sites, the key timing that influenced yield was GS39. This timing is slightly later than previously thought suitable for applying N for yield, with GS32 being the recognised standard. The data needs to be interpreted with the 2013 season in mind because a tighter finish in spring could mean plant uptake of late applied N would be limited.

Lead research organisation Southern Farming Systems
Host research organisation MacKillop Farm Management Group
Southern Farming Systems
Trial funding source GRDC SFS000025
Related program Regional Cropping Solutions Network
Acknowledgments N/A
Other trial partners Farmlink, SFS and MFMG
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type Cereal (Grain): Wheat
Treatment type(s)
  • Fertiliser: Rate
  • Fertiliser: Timing
  • Fertiliser: Type
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Randomised,Replicated,Blocked

Temora 2014

Sow date 15 May 2014 15 May 2014
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Two nitrogen rates were applied (25 kgN/ha and 50 kgN/ha) additional to what had been applied up to GS32. Three nitrogen products were used: UAN (42.5%N), granular urea (46$N) and liquid urea (24%N). UAN and liquid urea were applied through streaming nozzles at GS32 and GS39 and through fat fan nozzles at GS55 and GS70. Urea was top dressed. Application times were: GS32 (second node detectable); GS39 (flag leaf fully emerged); GS55 (head 50% emerged on main stem); and GS70 (grain watery ripe).

Other trial notes

Because of the late start to this project, a GS32 timing in New South Wales (NSW) was missed and even though two rates of N (25kg N/ha and 50kg N/ha) on top of previous treatments were applied, many sites were under fertilised in 2014. The project aim of getting at least some samples from each trial site (>12% protein) did not happen.

Conmurra 2014

Sow date 30 May 2014 30 May 2014
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Two nitrogen rates were applied (25 kgN/ha and 50 kgN/ha) additional to what had been applied up to GS32. Three nitrogen products were used: UAN (42.5%N), granular urea (46$N) and liquid urea (24%N). UAN and liquid urea were applied through streaming nozzles at GS32 and GS39 and through fat fan nozzles at GS55 and GS70. Urea was top dressed. Application times were: GS32 (second node detectable); GS39 (flag leaf fully emerged); GS55 (head 50% emerged on main stem); and GS70 (grain watery ripe).

Other trial notes

Because of the late start to this project, a GS32 timing in New South Wales (NSW) was missed and even though two rates of N (25kg N/ha and 50kg N/ha) on top of previous treatments were applied, many sites were under fertilised in 2014. The project aim of getting at least some samples from each trial site (>12% protein) did not happen.

Wolseley 2014

Sow date 11 June 2014 11 June 2014
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Two nitrogen rates were applied (25 kgN/ha and 50 kgN/ha) additional to what had been applied up to GS32. Three nitrogen products were used: UAN (42.5%N), granular urea (46$N) and liquid urea (24%N). UAN and liquid urea were applied through streaming nozzles at GS32 and GS39 and through fat fan nozzles at GS55 and GS70. Urea was top dressed. Application times were: GS32 (second node detectable); GS39 (flag leaf fully emerged); GS55 (head 50% emerged on main stem); and GS70 (grain watery ripe).

Other trial notes

Because of the late start to this project, a GS32 timing in New South Wales (NSW) was missed and even though two rates of N (25kg N/ha and 50kg N/ha) on top of previous treatments were applied, many sites were under fertilised in 2014. The project aim of getting at least some samples from each trial site (>12% protein) did not happen.

Rokeby 2014

Sow date 28 May 2014 28 May 2014
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Two nitrogen rates were applied (25 kgN/ha and 50 kgN/ha) additional to what had been applied up to GS32. Three nitrogen products were used: UAN (42.5%N), granular urea (46$N) and liquid urea (24%N). UAN and liquid urea were applied through streaming nozzles at GS32 and GS39 and through fat fan nozzles at GS55 and GS70. Urea was top dressed. Application times were: GS32 (second node detectable); GS39 (flag leaf fully emerged); GS55 (head 50% emerged on main stem); and GS70 (grain watery ripe).

Other trial notes

Because of the late start to this project, a GS32 timing in New South Wales (NSW) was missed and even though two rates of N (25kg N/ha and 50kg N/ha) on top of previous treatments were applied, many sites were under fertilised in 2014. The project aim of getting at least some samples from each trial site (>12% protein) did not happen.

Woodbury 2014

Sow date 17 May 2014 17 May 2014
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Two nitrogen rates were applied (25 kgN/ha and 50 kgN/ha) additional to what had been applied up to GS32. Three nitrogen products were used: UAN (42.5%N), granular urea (46$N) and liquid urea (24%N). UAN and liquid urea were applied through streaming nozzles at GS32 and GS39 and through fat fan nozzles at GS55 and GS70. Urea was top dressed. Application times were: GS32 (second node detectable); GS39 (flag leaf fully emerged); GS55 (head 50% emerged on main stem); and GS70 (grain watery ripe).

Other trial notes

Because of the late start to this project, a GS32 timing in New South Wales (NSW) was missed and even though two rates of N (25kg N/ha and 50kg N/ha) on top of previous treatments were applied, many sites were under fertilised in 2014. The project aim of getting at least some samples from each trial site (>12% protein) did not happen.

Inverleigh 2014

Sow date 25 May 2014 25 May 2014
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Two nitrogen rates were applied (25 kgN/ha and 50 kgN/ha) additional to what had been applied up to GS32. Three nitrogen products were used: UAN (42.5%N), granular urea (46$N) and liquid urea (24%N). UAN and liquid urea were applied through streaming nozzles at GS32 and GS39 and through fat fan nozzles at GS55 and GS70. Urea was top dressed. Application times were: GS32 (second node detectable); GS39 (flag leaf fully emerged); GS55 (head 50% emerged on main stem); and GS70 (grain watery ripe).

Other trial notes

Because of the late start to this project, a GS32 timing in New South Wales (NSW) was missed and even though two rates of N (25kg N/ha and 50kg N/ha) on top of previous treatments were applied, many sites were under fertilised in 2014. The project aim of getting at least some samples from each trial site (>12% protein) did not happen.

Murnong 2014

Sow date 3 June 2014 3 June 2014
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Two nitrogen rates were applied (25 kgN/ha and 50 kgN/ha) additional to what had been applied up to GS32. Three nitrogen products were used: UAN (42.5%N), granular urea (46$N) and liquid urea (24%N). UAN and liquid urea were applied through streaming nozzles at GS32 and GS39 and through fat fan nozzles at GS55 and GS70. Urea was top dressed. Application times were: GS32 (second node detectable); GS39 (flag leaf fully emerged); GS55 (head 50% emerged on main stem); and GS70 (grain watery ripe).

Other trial notes

Because of the late start to this project, a GS32 timing in New South Wales (NSW) was missed and even though two rates of N (25kg N/ha and 50kg N/ha) on top of previous treatments were applied, many sites were under fertilised in 2014. The project aim of getting at least some samples from each trial site (>12% protein) did not happen.

Westmere 2014

Sow date 22 May 2014 22 May 2014
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Fertiliser

Two nitrogen rates were applied (25 kgN/ha and 50 kgN/ha) additional to what had been applied up to GS32. Three nitrogen products were used: UAN (42.5%N), granular urea (46$N) and liquid urea (24%N). UAN and liquid urea were applied through streaming nozzles at GS32 and GS39 and through fat fan nozzles at GS55 and GS70. Urea was top dressed. Application times were: GS32 (second node detectable); GS39 (flag leaf fully emerged); GS55 (head 50% emerged on main stem); and GS70 (grain watery ripe).

Other trial notes

Because of the late start to this project, a GS32 timing in New South Wales (NSW) was missed and even though two rates of N (25kg N/ha and 50kg N/ha) on top of previous treatments were applied, many sites were under fertilised in 2014. The project aim of getting at least some samples from each trial site (>12% protein) did not happen.

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information

Download results

Trial results Effect of fertiliser on protein at Temora

# Treatment 1
Treatment 2
Treatment 3
Treatment 3 Treatment 3 Treatment 3 Treatment 3 Treatment 3 Protein (%)
1 UAN 14.6
2 Urea - liquid 14.5
3 Urea - granular 13.5

Protein %


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Trial results Effect of fertiliser on protein at Inverleigh

# Protein (%)
1 UAN 10.6
2 Urea - liquid 10.6
3 Urea - granular 10.6

Protein %


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Trial results Effect of fertiliser on protein at Murnong

# Protein (%)
1 UAN 8
2 Urea - liquid 8
3 Urea - granular 8.2

Protein %


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Trial results Effect of fertiliser on protein at Westmere

# Protein (%)
1 UAN 11.3
2 Urea - liquid 11.3
3 Urea - granular 11.2

Protein %


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Trial results Effect of fertiliser on protein at Conmurra

# Protein (%)
1 UAN 11.6
2 Urea - liquid 11.8
3 Urea - granular 11.6

Protein %


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Trial results Effect of fertiliser on protein at Wolseley

# Protein (%)
1 UAN 9.2
2 Urea - liquid 9.4
3 Urea - granular 9.6

Protein %


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Trial results Effect of fertiliser on protein at Rokeby

# Protein (%)
1 UAN 8.5
2 Urea - liquid 8.3
3 Urea - granular 8.5

Protein %


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Trial results Effect of fertiliser on protein at Rokeby

# Protein (%)
1 UAN 11.8
2 Urea - liquid 12
3 Urea - granular 11.5

Protein %


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Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Temora, NSW Clay loam
Conmurra, SA Clay (black)
Wolseley, SA Clay loam
Rokeby, TAS Sandy loam
Woodbury, TAS Sandy loam
Inverleigh, VIC Clay loam
Murnong, VIC Clay loam
Westmere, VIC Not specified
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Temora, NSW Kandosol
Conmurra, SA Sodosol
Wolseley, SA Sodosol
Rokeby, TAS Sodosol
Woodbury, TAS Sodosol
Inverleigh, VIC Sodosol
Murnong, VIC Chromosol
Westmere, VIC Sodosol
Soil Moisture Source: BOM/ANU
Average amount of water stored in the soil profile during the year, estimated by the OzWALD model-data fusion system.
Year Temora NSW Conmurra SA Wolseley SA Rokeby TAS Woodbury TAS Inverleigh VIC Murnong VIC Westmere VIC
2014 594.5mm284.2mm264.0mm398.9mm673.3mm546.8mm532.9mm457.0mm
2013 595.4mm279.8mm265.9mm401.1mm694.0mm567.4mm548.0mm451.8mm
2012 611.7mm255.7mm284.6mm413.6mm713.7mm579.9mm605.2mm466.6mm
2011 617.4mm274.2mm310.0mm428.1mm772.8mm580.5mm612.8mm494.5mm
2010 623.1mm292.9mm350.6mm399.6mm762.4mm592.9mm616.4mm483.6mm
2009 606.8mm307.3mm356.2mm428.2mm749.9mm508.8mm529.8mm416.3mm
2008 615.1mm249.5mm371.7mm383.4mm698.2mm492.1mm539.7mm394.1mm
2007 573.0mm219.4mm419.9mm400.5mm669.2mm455.4mm531.1mm381.0mm
2006 577.7mm225.7mm412.8mm386.5mm614.1mm467.8mm526.1mm367.4mm
2005 614.8mm297.1mm405.8mm414.2mm627.6mm491.2mm590.9mm388.6mm
2004 595.9mm304.4mm429.1mm407.6mm638.9mm438.6mm590.8mm392.0mm
2003 563.8mm289.6mm485.0mm404.4mm679.0mm416.4mm517.5mm416.1mm
2002 542.0mm223.1mm494.0mm390.8mm660.5mm399.6mm566.9mm402.3mm
2001 542.7mm277.1mm544.4mm395.6mm716.4mm472.4mm549.3mm451.9mm
2000 490.2mm280.7mm599.9mm395.0mm697.2mm448.5mm478.7mm441.1mm
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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Climate

Derived climate information

No observed climate data available for this trial.
Derived climate data is determined from trial site location and national weather sources.

Temora VIC

Conmurra VIC

Wolseley VIC

Rokeby VIC

Woodbury VIC

Inverleigh VIC

Murnong VIC

Westmere VIC

Temora VIC

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Conmurra VIC

NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
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Wolseley VIC

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Rokeby VIC

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Woodbury VIC

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Inverleigh VIC

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Murnong VIC

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Westmere VIC

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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.

Trial report and links

2014 trial report

2014 trial report



Trial last modified: 21-10-2019 10:34am AEST